U.S. Filipino Community Calendar March-June 2016

March 11- April 1

Eagle Rock High School Monthly Open House Tours

Eagle Rock High School invites the community to International Baccalaureate Open House Tours, from 8-10am during the spring semester on Friday, February 5; Friday, March 11; and Friday, April 1. Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12, and was the first school in the LAUSD to be authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (grades 7-10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (grades 11-12), a project-based program for concept and content-based learning to promote global mindedness and service to others. The IB Open House is open to all interested students, and will include an introductory presentation in the ERHS library, followed by campus tours, classroom visits, and a short question-and-answer period. To register for the Open Houses, please visit www.erhs.la, and click on the “IB Open House Registration” link. Please email Mylene Keipp [email protected] for more information. We look forward to your visit!

March 12

Grand Marshals Gala New York City Astoria World

MANOR 25-22 Astoria Boulevard Astoria (Queens), New York 11102 Saturday, March 12, 2016 7:00 P.M. to 12:30 A.M. Attire: Filipiniana or Formal Donation: $100.00 The event will honor Dr. Leonidas “Ned” Pulido and wife Carmencita “Menchie” Pulido who were unanimously elected by the PIDCI Board of Directors to be the Grand Marshals of this year’s Philippine Independence Day Parade on Sunday, June 5, 2015. Invitations or information may be obtained by calling the Chairwomen of the Grand Marshals Selection and Gala Committee Ollie David at (732) 499-7995 or Helen LaBarbera at (516) 581-8830 or PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim at (347) 248-5106. Interested parties may also call any of the Committee Co-chairs: Drs. Emilio and Fely Quines (347) 254-2945, Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo (201) 869-4044, Dr. Ely Parico (908) 265-1293, Dulce Barangan (516) 343-8592, Lauren Martinez (347) 284-9886, Thelma Cabralda (631) 331 5891, Zita Lapena (917) 454-9344, Nida Cortez (646) 649-5531, Angie Molina (718) 687-0976, PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim (347) 248-5106 or any member of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

March 12

Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. Grand Marshals Gala

The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) will launch the commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on Saturday, March 12 with the Grand Marshals Gala at the Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Boulevard in Astoria, Queens, New York 11102). The gala will take place from 7:00pm until 12:30am, honoring Dr. Leonidas “Ned” Pulido and wife Carmencita “Menchie” Pulido, who were chosen as the Grand Marshals of the 2016 Philippine Independence Day Parade in June. Gala tickets are $100 per person, with formal or Filipinana attire. Please contact the Chairwomen of the Grand Marshals Selection and Gala Committee, Ollie David (732-499-7995) and Helen LaBarbera (516-581-8830), ir OUDCU President Dr. Prospero Lim (347-248-5106) for gala invitations and more information. Interested parties may also call any of the Committee Co-chairs: Drs. Emilio and Fely Quines (347-254-2945), Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo (201-869-4044), Dr. Ely Parico (908-265-1293), Dulce Barangan (516-343-8592), Lauren Martinez (347-284-9886), Thelma Cabralda (631-331-5891), Zita Lapena (917-454-9344), Nida Cortez (646-649-5531), or Angie Molina (917-478-6754) or any of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

FACC-SLAA Induction Gala

The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce for South Bay Los Angeles Area (FACC-SLAA) presents the annual fundraising gala and induction of its board members, to be held on Saturday, March 12 at 6:00 pm, at the Holiday Inn Los Angeles Gateway-Torrance (19800 S Vermont Ave. Torrance, CA 90502). Philippine Consulate General Leo Herrera-Lim will be the inducting officer, with guest speakers Assemblymember Rob Bonta and former Assemblyman Warren Furutani. Attire for the dinner is Filipiniana/formal. The gala dinner is also a fundraiser for the FACC-SLAA Scholarship project of the chamber raising funds for deserving, eligible Filipino American students who are business (or related) majors in colleges and universities in the South Bay area. Four scholars who will each receive a $500 scholarship award. Fil-Am students applying for the scholarship should have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average, low income/financial need, have no criminal record, must submit a one page essay on why the student is applying, and must be willing to volunteer or intern at FACC-SLAA for 80 hours. The deadline to apply is on Feb 15 to apply. Interested students, please [email protected] or [email protected]. Tickets for the FACC-SLAA Induction and Fundraising Gala are $60 each. Please email [email protected] for more information, or contact President Cynthia Tan (310) 748-9688 or Fred Docdocil, VP Programs (310) 619-8101

March 13

Sto. Tomas, Batangas Association Fiesta 

The Sto. Tomas, Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate their fiesta on Sunday, March 13, at 1:00pm at Sliver Star Financial office (217 N Azusa St. Azusa, CA). For further details, please call Willie Manacsa (818) 400-7391, Ofie Villanueva (626) 383-4152,

Rosie Sancianco (951) 898-7628 or Myrna Jaurigue at (909) 545-9876.

March 18-19

5th Statewide Disabilities Conference 

Agencies, service providers and caretakers, community organizations, consumers, job-seekers, families…please join us for the California Statewide Disabilities Conference from March 18-19, 2016 at The Westin Pasadena hotel (191 N. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA). Expert panels/sessions/topics to be discussed include special education for those with disabilities, autism, assistive technology, ACA/Health, civil rights, mental health, financial wellness, discrimination, employment benefits, college supportive services, transition to adulthood, and outreach to the diverse Asian American – Pacific Islander community. This event is sponsored by the Asian & Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California (APIDC), giving a voice and face to Asians and Pacific Islanders with disabilities, and improving access to resources for API families. APIDC has hosted four major conferences in California. The conference will also include social service agencies, and exhibitors/representatives such as educators, attorneys, and health care providers. Special gift giveaways and raffle prizes are available to all registered conference attendees. For registration and more information (including scholarships) about the conference, please contact Jamie Hwang at 714-403-3188, [email protected], and visit www.apidisabilities.net.

March 19

CSFLU 26th Anniversary 

The City of San Fernando La Union, headed by Vickie Balcita-Neri, will celebrate their 26th Anniversary on March 19, 2016at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Brea ( 900 E Birch St, Brea, CA 9282). Music will be provided by TheMidnightMotion Band. For invitation and other questions, please call Vangie So at (626) 485-3110.

March 20

2016 PIYESTA PINOY CHICAGO

Sunday, March 20from 11:45am to 4:00pm is the Philippine Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Chicago), as part of the Neighborhoods of the World series at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens (Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL).

Come travel to the Philippines without ever leaving your backyard! This cultural celebration is free and open to the public of all ages. Join us and enjoy an afternoon of lively folk music, special performances, traditional dance, cuisine, arts and crafts.  The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) and the vibrant Filipino community of Chicago is so proud to put on this event for the 5th year in a row, and Piyesta Pinoy is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our culture with our people. For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visit www.piyestapinoy.net, or email [email protected].

APRIL

April 9

Prisoners of War Day at the Filipino Veterans Education Center

All WWII veterans and families, please join us as we commemorate the historic 74th anniversary of Prisoners of War Day and the Fall of Bataan, the Day of Valor, on Saturday, April 9th. In the spirit of reconciliation, friendship and international cooperation, let us leave the past behind us as we move forward with joined hands to attain peace for all mankind. The formal Commemoration and remembrance ceremony will start at 2:00pm in the Filipino Veterans Education Center, at the War Memorial Performing Arts Veterans Building (401 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA 94102). This event is open to the public. Please RSVP [email protected]; [email protected]. Tel: 415 564 6262 

April 17 

Mrs. Kalayaan Coronation Pageant And Gala New York City Astoria

WORLD MANOR 25-22 Astoria Boulevard Astoria (Queens), New York 11102 Sunday, April 17, 2016 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Attire: Donation: $ The search for Mrs. Kalayaan along with its companion Mrs. Kalayaan Coronation Pageant and Gala was introduced in the lineup of Philippine Independence Anniversary Commemorative events in 2012. It was an instant success as a contest and a fund-raiser every year attracting a large number of aspirants to the top title of Mrs. Kalayaan. This year the Mrs. Kalayaan Search and Gala Committee is chaired by a former Mrs. Kalayaan contestant Joy Aligarbes, who may be reached at (646) 515-2611. She is joined in the chairmanship by another newcomer to the PIDCI Board of Directors Rely Manacay (917) 755-0160. If you need information regarding the contest or are interested in entering the contest you may call either of them or you may call PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim (347) 254-5106 or any member of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

April – September 2016

Parathanal of Holy Trinity Parish Piligrimages

Fr. Jose Joseph Parathanal of Holy Trinity Parish, San Pedro District, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, invites all to join Fr. Joseph Parathanal’s Pilgrimages to EASTERN EUROPE, OLGUADALUPE/Colonial Mexico, and INDIA. During the journey, pilgrims will pray to God for healing of body, mind and spirit especially for healing of the world from violence, terrorism and climate changes. Trip dates are: Divine Mercy/Infant Jesus of Prague/Austria/Hungary/Medjugorje (Eastern Europe) April 17- April 30; OLGuadalupe and Colonial Mexico – June 20 – June 27; and Mother Teresa/St. Thomas/St. Alphonsa/St. Euprasia/St. Chavarra (India) – Sept. 15 – Sept. 29, 2016. For more details and pilgrimage information, please contact Bernadette at [email protected] or call 323-344-1548 & 323-547-6618.

April 17 – 30

Pilgrimages to Eastern Europe, Mexico and India

Amazing Pilgrimages for the Jubilee Year of Mercy! All are welcome to join Fr. Joe Joseph of Holy Trinity Church for the spiritual and fun-filled experiences of EASTERN EUROPE (April 17- 30): Poland, Czech., Austria, Hungary, Medjugorje; COLONIAL MEXICO/OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (June 20 – 27): Mexico City, Theotihuacan, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Ocotlan, Xochimilco, Guanajuato, San Miguel De Allende, Guadalajara, San Juan De Los Lagos, Cristo Rey, Zapopan, Tonala; and INDIA (September 15 – 29): Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kerala. For more pilgrimage information and detailed flyers, please contact Bernadette at [email protected] OR call 323-344-1548 & 323-547-6618.

MAY

May 7 

Diwa Ng Kalayaan (Spirit Of Independence) Selection And Coronation Pageant And Gala Newark, New Jersey Double Tree By Hilton Hotel

(GRAND BALLROOM) 128 Frontage Road Newark, New Jersey 07114 Saturday, May 7, 2016 7:00 P.M. to 12:00 Midnight The Greater New York area’s top beauty, brains and talent contest for young dalagang Filipina (single Filipino girls) 16 to 25 years of age is on its 26th year this year and still going strong. Year after year it attracts the prettiest if not the most beautiful young Filipinas in the Northeastern USA to vie for the top title of Diwa ng Kalayaan (Spirit of Independence) who reigns supreme during the months-long commemoration. Her grand prize – a round-trip airline ticket to the Philippines including a string of land arrangements when she gets to the home country. For information or to join the contest, please call Diwa ng Kalayaan Committee Chairs Beth Manalo (551) 998-1640 or Maryann Sanagustin (908) 456- 7063; or PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim at (347) 254-5106 or any member of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

May 27 

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion

Attention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 27-29, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days.  There will be lots of entertainment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-544-8210 or [email protected]; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 or [email protected]; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 [email protected]; Marissa Sugay-Palanca  at  818-281-7460 or [email protected]; Rose Maghari at 661-794-8906 or [email protected]; Sally Mendoza at 323-695-0235 or  [email protected]; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 or [email protected]; Virginia Herbito at [email protected]; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 or [email protected]; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808 or [email protected]; Jun Mapoy at 323-627-5326 or [email protected]

JUNE

June 5

Philippine Independence Day New York City Flag Ceremony Independence Day Thanksgiving Mass Philippine Center 

556 Fifth Avenue (between 45th Street and 46th Street) New York NY 10036-5002 8:30-9:30 A.M. It’s Philippine Independence Day in New York City and the Northeastern United States! The day starts early morning (at 8:30 a.m.) with a Flag Ceremony in front of the Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Avenue (between 45th and 46th Streets), New York, NY 10036, accompanied by singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Following the Flag Ceremony, celebrators, led by Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and the President of the Philippine Independence Day Committee Dr. Prospero Lim, along with guests, other VIPs, the PIDCI Executive Committee, members of the Board of Directors, organization presidents and other proceed to the Kalayaan Hall on the second floor for the traditional Independence Day Mass of Thanksgiving. For information, please call Committee Chairs Tambi Wycoco (212) 420-0145, Bert Olimpo (347) 308-0426, Margie Wisotsky (201) 273-2081, or PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim (347) 254-5106 or any member of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

Independence Day Street Fair Madison Avenue 

(From 25th Street To 26th Street And 26th Street From Madison Avenue To Park Avenue) 

10:00 A.M. To 6:00 P.M. 

As soon as the New York Police Department closes the Avenue to vehicular traffic, this part of the Avenue is the first that starts to hum with frenzied activity after the tents that are divided into selling of exhibition booths are put up. It’s a veritable Food Festival on the one side of Madison Avenue and 26th Street while the other side of the thoroughfares replicate a Mini-Expo. For information or to rent booths, please call Independence Day Street Fair Committee Chairs Gheng Pingol (917) 669-0505, Nonoy Rafael (516) 298-8428, Tambi Wycoco (212) 420- 0145, PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim (347) 254-5106 or any member of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

Independence Day Parade Madison Avenue 

(From 38th Street To 27th Street) 11:45 A.M.

With all the important players gathered on Madison Avenue at 38th Street, a short program is held on the Avenue at 11:45 a.m. concluded by a ribbon-cutting that sends the Philippine Independence Day Parade marching on its way downtown at exactly 12:00 Noon. Led by a Spearhead at the head of which are the 2016 Independence Day Parade Grand Marshals Dr. Leonidas “Ned” Pulido and his wife Carmencita “Menchie” Pulido. Also at the head of the Spearhead is a line of VIPs, including Consul General Mario L. de Leon and wife Mrs. Eleanor de Leon, PIDCI President Prospero Lim, honored guests, more VIPs. When the Spearhead reaches 30th Street, those at the head of the Spearhead take off to get up and take their seats at the Reviewing Stand on the East side of Madison Avenue. For information or to participate, call Independence Day Parade Committee Chairs Shiran Ybanez (917) 216-0343, Maryann Sanagustin (908) 456-7063, PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim (347) 254-5106 or any member of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

Cultural Festival Open-Air Stage Madison Avenue 

At 26th Street 2:00 P.M. To 6:00 P.M. 

Here is where you see and hear celebrities, performers and talents some of them coming from the Philippines or other parts of the world in an all-afternoon program. For information or to audition for participation please call Cultural Festival Committee Chairs Helen LaBarbera (518) 581-8830, or Miguel Braganza at (718) 483-0045.

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